A DITA map serves as the coordinator in a DITA-based document, bringing together DITA topics to form a coherent structure or set of information. In essence, it’s a container for DITA topics, defining how they relate to each other. This relationship could be linear, hierarchical, or complex, depending on the content’s structure.

DITA maps also enable authors to specify dependencies between topics, ensuring they follow a logical sequence. This allows for hierarchies, categorizing content and improving accessibility.

With a DITA map, authors have flexibility in assembling topics to suit different document types or user needs. It’s akin to arranging puzzle pieces to create diverse content structures.

Moreover, DITA maps provide customization options. Authors can embed instructions and metadata, tailoring content behavior and appearance for specific contexts. Ultimately, a DITA map is the organizer, director, and customizer of DITA topics, essential for crafting well-structured and user-friendly content.